Wenonah hosts annual Memorial Day parade and ceremony

WENONAH — The borough celebrated Memorial Day on Monday with a display that included children and adults alike.

"Memorial Day is always nice," said Eileen Penman, who was watching the parade with her husband, Steven, and their children. "We've been looking forward to the warm weather, and it's important to start the summer by remembering those who gave us our freedom."

The day began with a parade that moved down Mantua Avenue and stopped at the historic Wenonah Cemetery, where many of the borough's veterans have been laid to rest. American Legion Post 192 led a ceremony honoring the fallen.

John Forren, commander of the post, gave the keynote speech, which weighed the festivities of early summer against the solemnity of the holiday.

"Long after Memorial Day is over, parents and families will still grieve," he said. "But we can offer our support. Let us never lose focus of what Memorial Day truly means."

Forren pointed to community service as one way Americans could honor those who died in combat.

"Pay it forward — it's a commitment shared by the VFW and the American Legion," he said. "We're trying to become more visible and advance not just veterans, but the community as a whole."

After Forren's speech, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts placed flowers on the graves of all the veterans in the cemetery. Mayor Tommy Lombardo, a Desert Storm Marine Corps veteran, reflected on the tradition.

"I find it moving," he said. "It puts it in perspective, what this all really means. It's important to remember what others have done so we could enjoy this day."

James Snyder, 12, and Larry Diehlman, 13, were two of the scouts to place flowers in the cemetery.

"It's an honor to be able to participate in this," said James. "I'm so grateful for the sacrifice those soldiers made."

For Larry, it was an introspective experience.

"It was a nice way to commemorate the soldiers," he said. "It makes you reflect — would you do the same?"